At the recent Umno general assembly, the only reassuring statements for the non-Malay Malaysians were from the Umno president and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He persistently called for moderation before, during and after the assembly.

Unfortunately his appeals appeared to have fallen on deaf ears as throughout the assembly, speaker after speaker delivered fiery and emotional attacks on other races. This has caused a lot of anxiety, fear and alarm among us, we who all these years have contributed so much to the development of the nation which we have come to regard as our permanent home.

What is happening to our major partner in BN? As the PM says Umno and the Malays, as the dominant members of the ruling coalition, must always be fair and just to all Malaysians. The minority non-Malays have no one else to depend on if their dominant partner turns against them.

Whether we like it or not, we are all Malaysians and we are here to stay during both good and bad times. This is a fact which must be accepted by all. A large part of the Umno delegates' criticisms are due to a failure in dialogue and communication among the races. There is a dire need for dialogue, not only to solve problems but also to understand and appreciate our differences.

Unfortunately, there are forces that are bent on opposing such dialogue because of wrong perceptions that have created suspicion in their minds. There have been accusations that we are questioning the special position of the Malays and Islam. In fact, the majority of us have come to accept this as a fact.

We are merely asking for are our rights as enshrined in the constitution. We have come to a situation where our rights in education, the economy, culture and religion are being denied and our future appears bleak and hopeless. Our yearnings to serve the nation, in government service, police and armed forces are not appreciated and also denied.

As the PM points out, everybody wants fairness which is a strength. Umno being the dominant partner in the BN must use this strength to discharge its responsibilities in a trustworthy and responsible manner. Umno must be responsible not only to the Malays but also to other races who have accepted its leadership.

God has bestowed us with a beautiful country, full of resources and devoid of natural disasters. He has also bestowed us with diverse cultures and faiths. Our problems are really self-inflicted by our own selfishness. Let us appreciate God's gifts and live life to the fullest as one united nation.